St. Paul's Episcopal Church (Chattanooga, Tennessee) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Location | 7th and Pine Sts., Chattanooga, Tennessee |
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| Area | 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) |
| Built | 1881 |
| Architect | William Halsey Wood |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002599 |
| Added to NRHP | September 1, 1978 |
St. Paul's Episcopal Church is a historic church located in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is a large and active church that belongs to the Episcopal Church.
Contents
The Start of St. Paul's Church
The church community first gathered in 1852. At that time, people held their worship services in a store. The next year, in 1853, ten families officially formed the church group.
Church Buildings Over Time
First Church Building
The first building for St. Paul's Church was located at 8th and Chestnut Streets. During the American Civil War, this building was used as a military hospital. It was badly damaged during the war.
After the war, in 1867, the church received money from the U.S. government. This money helped them repair the building. The church then started using it again. In 1880, the church sold this property. They bought new land at 7th and Pine Streets for a new church building.
The Current Church Building
The church building you see today was built in 1881. It officially opened for worship in 1888. A famous architect from New York City named William Halsey Wood designed it.
The design of the church looks like a "typical English village church." It has a tall bell tower that stands out. Inside, the main worship area, called the sanctuary, has a high wooden ceiling. There are also side areas, or galleries, where people can sit. The sanctuary can hold about 450 people.
The bell tower holds 11 bells. These bells were made in Baltimore, Maryland. They were first used in 1911. Experts say the outside of the church has a classic style. However, the inside looks more like older, grand churches with Victorian details. This church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This means it is an important historical site.
Helping the Community
St. Paul's Church is very active in helping people in Chattanooga.
Shelters for Those in Need
Since 1996, the church has provided a safe place for women and children. This shelter is located in the lower part of the church building. It is called St. Catherine's Shelter. It works with the Chattanooga Community Kitchen. The shelter can help up to 14 people at a time.
Church members also help run a shelter for men. This men's shelter is located at the nearby Second Presbyterian Church. It started in 1984 as a winter shelter. Now, it is open all year. It provides a place to stay for men who are working to improve their lives.
Other Ways the Church Helps
St. Paul's Church hosts daily support group meetings for people facing challenges. They also work with local food banks and other groups. These groups help people in need in the community. The church also helps students from the School of Theology at Sewanee: The University of the South learn about church work.
